Improved access to services & Improved digital communications
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| Action title | Action |
Sign Video Implementation
| During the reporting period access at our 4 civic centres; for Deaf residents and visitors alike were improved via the introduction of Signvideo on 16 September 2019. This service provided a medium for Deaf people to independently communicate with hearing people via a British Sign Language interpreter in real time, on a video relay system and was seen as a very positive move towards achieving equality.
Council worked with Deafblind UK to produce a number of BSL videos to promote the service and to improve awareness.
In addition 20 customer services administrators (reception) and caretaking staff at the 4 Civic offices were trained to support the needs of Deaf residents and visitors to ensure Council was responsive to the needs of the individuals in this grouping.
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| Accessible Heritage Guide | A new Accessible Heritage Guide has been created by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Museum Services in partnership with the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) and the Glenshane Care Association in Dungiven.
The free Accessible Heritage Guide is now available in a range of formats; print copies, audio CDs and digitally. |
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Improved accessibility and inclusive service provision
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| Action Area & Title | Action |
Every Customer Counts Audits
(Disability) | During the reporting period a rolling audit programme was instigated using the “Every Customer Counts” pro-forma. At the end of the reporting period 340 audits had been completed in the following Council areas:
Civic centres; Leisure (from small play parks to large recreation centres), Arts and Museums, Parking and Community facilities.
This is driven by a multi-disciplinary team striving to improve our facilities and services to individuals with a wide range of impairments and will continue in the next reporting period. |
| Every Customer Counts Action Plans | In addition Council demonstrated its intention to incorporate and mainstream equality through the development of associated action plans using the quantitative data at strategic management level. This was further compounded by action plans being included in Shadow Bid commitments for Leisure Centres both tier 1 and tier 2 facilities.
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Leisure Services Customer Survey
(Age / Disability) | The quantitative data supported the development of action plans to improve access to our buildings and facilities and it was clear that a more qualitative assessment was also essential. This second strand to access accessibility was achieved through a customer survey. The survey of over 1,000 service users aimed to determine and understand: - user satisfaction with regards to the service itself;
- how we met the needs of all users; and
- to identify possible reasonable adjustments to support inclusion, access to leisure, sport and recreation for every-body and every-customer.
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Family friendly event
(Age) | Exploring the science behind 2 of the most successful film franchises of all time for all the family followed by discussions and education about magical science.
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Bannside Strollers Walking Club
(Age) | A weekly guided walk from Coleraine Leisure Centre for older people continued in 2019/20.
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Actively Aging Well club
(Age) | A weekly exercise programme for older people based at Coleraine and Joey Dunlop Leisure Centres continued in 2019/20.
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University of the 3rd Age
(Age) | A weekly group get together for older people based at Coleraine Leisure Centre continued in 2019/20. |
Changing Places Facility added to Coleraine Leisure Centre
(Disability) | A new fully accessible changing places facility was opened in Coleraine Leisure Centre which is on the outer edge of the town centre. This will support families to swim, exercise, shop and attend events in the locality. |
Move More scheme
(Disability) | In September; over 50 Cancer patients were encouraged to ‘Move More’ and receive guidance and motivation to maintain active lifestyles, to aid their overall wellbeing through a new partnership between Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and Macmillan Cancer Support. |
Accessible Heritage Guide
(Disability) | A new Accessible Heritage Guide has been created by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Museum Services in partnership with the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) and the Glenshane Care Association in Dungiven.
The free publication features 20 local heritage sites and this project has allowed people with sensory, physical and learning disabilities hands-on access to different aspects of our area’s past, highlighting how they experience history in these places. The new guide gives people with additional needs, as well families with young children, an opportunity to make informed decisions about visits to a range of heritage sites.
This was followed-up with an improvement plan to improve accessibility concerns and increase access for all visitors. |
Completion of Coastal and Dune Management Project
(Disability) |
June saw the completion of a major project to enhance visitor access at five popular beaches; Ballycastle, Benone Strand, Castlerock, Runkerry and White Rocks improving the visitor experience for everyone.
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Friday Night Disco (Young people)
(Age/Disability) | Provision of a weekly event to allow children with a physical or mental condition that limits their movements, senses, or activity to socialise at present up to 20 kids regularly attend. |
Inclusive Cycling Sessions
(Age/Disability) | Also in June 2 inclusive cycling sessions were held at Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre in Ballymoney where participants enjoyed full use of a range of specialist cycling equipment available through the Disability Hub which Council originally developed in conjunction with Disability Sport NI. |
Dementia-friendly screening of Classic films
(Age/Disability) | In September, January and February; Flowerfield Arts Centre screened 3 ‘dementia-friendly’ classic films aimed at both older people and families. |
Inclusive Family Fun Days
(Age/Disability) | In April, October and January/February inclusive family fun days took place on specified Sunday afternoons at Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre in Ballymoney and featured a range of activities including inclusive cycling, wheelchair sports and boccia.
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Music and dance event for older people
(Age/Disability) | In February Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre hosted a music and dance dementia friendly event for older people and those of all ages, including younger family members. |
All-ability Summer Recreation Event
(Age/Disability) | In partnership with Mae Murray Foundation a 2-day summer scheme for young people (7 – 14 years of age) with a disability was provided in August based at the Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre in Ballymoney. Activities included: games, sports, arts & crafts, messy play and much more. |
| Community and voluntary sector speed dating event | In January Causeway Coast and Glens Community Planning Strategic Partnership supported individuals to deliver more accessible, inclusive and responsive joined up services. Participants representing a wide range of Statutory Agencies (including Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, PSNI, NI Fire & Rescue Service, The Education Authority, CCMS, Housing Executive, Invest NI, Libraries NI, Health & Social Care Trusts (Northern/Western), Health & Social Care Board, Tourism NI, The Housing Executive, Invest NI, Public Health Agency and Sport NI) met and built relationships/connections with the local community and voluntary sector while acting as a borough wide platform for consultation and engagement. |
Sports Development Initiatives
(Age/Disability) | - Peace IV Out of School Sport Project: sporting event and sports participation programme; catering for approximately 650 pupils of primary and post primary school age.
- Shared Education Programme: bringing schools from different religions together through sport involving 6 primary schools (June 2019 & Jan 2020).
- Good Relations ‘Stick and Ball’ project (October 2019) in each area (Central, East and West) involving 12 Year 8 Post-Primary schools participating together in Hockey, Camogie, Rugby and Gaelic Football.
- Cross Community Friendship Youth Soccer League: weekly competitive football matches, throughout the autumn / winter months (September 2019 - February 2020) with 12 teams participating.
- Cross Community Luncheon Club for the elderly: meeting monthly on 5 occasions from (September 2019 – March 2020).
- After Schools Sports Programme involving 20 primary schools (April 2019- June 2019 & September 2019 – March 2020)
- Schools Disability Activity programme (October 2019 – March 2020)
- Girls U13 Football League; 6 teams’ monthly sessions (November 2019 – February 2020)
- Dander Football Programme
- Care Nursing Homes Wellbeing Programme
- Disability Hub Programme (Inc. Causeway Wheelie Active Club)
- Chronic fatigue and Pain Management classes
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Other Relevant Activities
(Age / Disability / Inclusion /
Equality) | - 270 home safety visits were completed and equipment given out to those in the over 65 age group.
- 300 equipment visits were completed in the financial year to those families with a child under 5 years old. An additional 65 clients had an under 5 home safety visit completed within the home in the Limavady and surrounding areas.
- 12 groups totalling 111 people attended our permanent Home Safety Education resource, Hazard House, where they were able to learn of the hidden dangers around the home environment.
- 34 events to promote home safety were attended/delivered. Talks / events were aimed for young families and older people. 2349 people attended the various events which were planned during April 2019 to March 2020.
- 237 referrals made to the Affordable Warmth Scheme targeted at reducing fuel poverty as requested by NIHE and the Department for Communities.
- 94 NISEP and energy efficiency referrals were made by the affordable warmth project together with 92 boiler replacement and 144 Benefit entitlement checks.
- A total of 3,140 enquiries were received by our Energy Efficiency Advisors with 572 households sign posted to fuel poverty services and 435 households provided with 1-1 support.
- 3 schools took part across the Council area participating in the Energy Detectives programme targeting fuel poverty within the Borough.
- Continuation and promotion, in conjunction with Limavady Community Development Initiative (LCDI), of the Causeway Coast and Glens fuel stamp scheme run across the borough targeted at low income households.
- 635 keep warm packs distributed, to 310 persons aged over 65 years,120 to families with dependants, 124 to persons with a long term health condition, 65 to those with a disability, 1 to pregnant women and 15 to persons who were homeless.
- 4 Slow Cook energy efficient sessions delivered, in partnership with a diverse range of community groups, by Energy Efficiency Advisers to 40 people.
- 9 sew energy efficient groups facilitated by loaning 20 sewing machines to a range of community groups across the Borough.
- 33 Energy Efficiency Awareness raising events and talks delivered to a diverse range of community groups, and their service users.
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| Environmental Community events/projects /activities | The Environmental Resource Officers run a wide range of events, projects and activities which bring people from differing religions, age, genders, political, sexual orientation, with/out dependants, marital status and abilities together to focus on our environment. |
| Community Fridges | Community fridges ensure food destined for landfill is redistributed. They are not food banks, referrals are not needed and they encourage people to think about food waste in general. To date, 2 community fridges have been established in Causeway Coast and Glens, in Cloughmills with 130 people, and Dungiven with 90 people participating. A third was due to start in Ballysally, Coleraine and despite plans being well advanced, the onset of Covid 19 has resulted in a delay.
Both locations are managed by volunteers from across the community and both bring people of different religious backgrounds together. Dungiven is hosted by Glenshane Care Association who operate a day centre. The Centre works with adults who have sensory, physical and learning disabilities, their families and carers. Centre staff and clients work in cooperation with volunteers from a local church, with the local community including a nearby SureStart centre accessing good quality food.
Cloughmills is a rural location and is managed by volunteers including a young mother and an older disabled woman. It provides food for a rural community and the host group has also organised skill shares around cooking skills for a wide cross section of the community including people of all ages. |
| ClothesSmart | As part of ClothesSmart, Officers have delivered workshops on fast fashion aimed at young people aged 12 to 16. These are both informative and practical in nature in that participants are challenged to organise activities in school to help the wider school community understand the issues around fashion and how their actions impact on people and planet. Part of this programme also resulted in a working relationship with Compass Advocacy Network and the Can Can Bazaar Charity Shop. This facilitates interaction between young people in mainstream education and young people/adults labelled with a learning disability. This interaction resulted in young people collecting unwanted clothing and donating it to Can Can Bazaar and also encouraged young people to visit the charity shop which is staffed by young people labelled with a learning disability. This initiative continues and now includes young people with a learning disability delivering talks to other young people in secondary education on their role and the importance to them of recycling.
Alternative Angles-Greenlight are supported and partnered by Council to service textile banks within the Borough. Alternative Angles-Greenlight is a Social Enterprise that provides support to people with learning disabilities to experience and develop new skills and build confidence in order for them to enhance their individual employment opportunities and thereby fulfil their potential.
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| Disability access | Disability access to ‘TextSpeak’ leaflets via our website to enable access to recycling information for those who are visually impaired. Leaflets can be read out using ‘TextSpeak’.
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| Environmental Resource Efficiency | Environmental resource efficiency talks and presentations have been delivered to a wide range of groups:- Approximately 1,000 members of adult interest and community groups have been brought together to learn and discuss a range of recycling, waste and environmental issues. Members of these groups come from different religions, gender, marital status, age and political backgrounds.
- Around 2,000 school children from nursery, primary, post-primary and special schools have received talks on a range of environmental issues; some also going on site visits to recycling centres. These talks bring children of different ages and gender together.
- Officers facilitated ‘Shared Education’ environmental sessions with local schools, which bring children of different religious backgrounds together.
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| FoodSmart | - Workshops with a number of schools and community groups bringing circa 600 people together from differing religious, political, racial, age and genders to save money, reduce food waste and recycle with their brown bin.
- The FoodSmart workshop was also delivered to the Food Poverty Action Group; a collective of community based food safety advisors educating residents on food related safety and health, encompassing members of different gender and age.
- Through FoodSmart we have also supported a partnership based in the Glens area which seeks to address rural isolation and food poverty. It focuses on isolated families and individuals, teaching new skills and improving confidence in the kitchen. Ultimately it also addresses the health inequalities which flow from isolation and poor diet.
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| Limavady Community Development Initiative | Limavady Community Development Initiative has been given financial and practical partnering support to work with special needs workers and those with learning difficulties. Environmental Resource Officers interact with both LCDI staff and the client group delivering environmental talks and co designing environmental activities.
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| LitterSmart | LitterSmart community clean ups with circa 1,200 people collecting over 30 tonnes of litter. Groups comprise people of different religious, political, racial, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender and ability coming together to chat and play an active role in cleaning up their local environment.
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| LiveSmart | LiveSmart presentation and workshop to adult interest groups which brought people of differing religious, marital status, gender, political and age together to learn, mix and discuss environmental issues.
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| NappySmart | NappySmart info sessions delivered in the Borough. Forty three people, with and without dependants, attended information and networking sessions on reducing waste by switching to cloth nappies. An opportunity for parents and potential new parents to meet and mix while discussing cloth nappies. These sessions took place around the Borough to facilitate those with dependants and lack of access to transport.
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| PlasticSmart | PlasticSmart aims to encourage avoidance of single use plastics such as water bottles, wipes, bags, straws and coffee cups and instead promotes more environmentally acceptable alternatives.
Approximately 700 members of the public have been engaged via community fairs and workshops in the PlasticSmart campaign and 850 pupils through school assemblies and workshops.
The community campaign has engaged people of differing ages, gender, marital status and religious background. The school campaign has brought children of different ages and racial background together to take positive environmental action.
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Events:
Ballymoney Spring Fair
Saturday 13th April | RDA (Riding for the Disabled Association) – all day pony rides in and around Megaw Park, Ballymoney. Suitable for many special needs children, but not for wheelchair bound children as they don’t have a winch. RDA offer specially designed and adapted Pony and Trap Rides for Wheelchair users.
Quiet Time: Designated Quiet Time Session for 1 ½ hours in morning – Animal Farm (where they could pet/hold/brush animals), Mask Making and Jumping Clay fridge magnets (masks and fridge magnets were taken home) limit of 8 disabled children per group.
Disabled parking: at Megaw Park, Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre and in and around town centre.
Disabled Toilet Facilities: in Ballymoney Town Hall, Megaw Park and Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre. Provision of Mobiloo (disabled toilets with hoist and attendant) at Megaw Park 10am – 5pm.
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Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival
25th May – 2nd June
| Quiet Time: Designated Quiet Time Sessions for people with additional needs for 45 minutes on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th – ‘The Big Dig’. Hands-on excavation at a simulated and controlled archaeological dig at Ballycastle Seafront. Limited to 8 spaces each day, pre bookable through Eventbrite.
Disabled Parking: At Seafront, Marine Car Park and in and around town centre.
Disabled Toilet Facilities: Mobiloo in Marine Carpark 10am – 5pm Saturday 25th, Sunday 26th and Monday 27th May.
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Salmon & Whiskey Festival
8th – 9th June
| Quiet Time: Designated Quiet Time Sessions for children with additional needs for 1 hour each day – hand puppet making (a take home activity)
Disabled Parking: At Dundarve Car Park and Bushmills VIC.
Disabled Toilet Facilities: in Dundarave. Mobiloo at Main Street Car Park, 10am – 6pm each day.
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The 148th Open Championship
15th – 21st July
| Quiet Time: Designated Quiet Time at History of Golf Exhibition and Golf Experience at Antrim Gardens, Wednesday 17th - Thursday 18th July, 12noon – 1pm each day. This included golf related activities such as Long Putt, Bunker Challenge, PGA lessons and Golf Simulator.
Disabled Toilet Facilities: Lansdowne, Ramore Head, The Harbour, Dunluce Avenue, West Bay and Kerr Street.
Disabled Car Parking: Located in town centre car parks with disabled parking also available through the park and ride as all buses wheelchair accessible.
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Ould Lammas Fair
24th – 27th August | RDA (Riding for the Disabled Association) – all day pony rides in and around Market Street, Ballycastle, Monday 26th and Tuesday 27th. Suitable for many special needs children, but not for wheelchair bound children as they don’t have a winch. RDA offer specially designed and adapted Pony and Trap Rides for Wheelchair users.
Quiet Time: Designated Quiet Time Sessions Monday 26th and Tuesday 27th for 1 hour in morning – Animal Farm (where they could pet/hold/brush animals), Also Silent Fun Fair Rides at the amusement park Quay Road and Seafront 5.30pm – 6.30pm Saturday 25th August to accommodate people with additional needs.
Disabled Toilets: Mobiloo at Marine Carpark Sunday 25th August 5pm – 10pm, Monday 26th August and Tuesday 27th 9am to 9pm.
Disabled Parking: Along with usual disabled parking spaces in all town centre car parks, limited disabled parking at Seafront (on Monday only redirect to Park and Ride as all buses wheelchair accessible).
Mobility Scooters and Wheelchairs: Available to hire from Shop Mobility at Seafront. Bookable in advance on 07934190242
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Air Waves Portrush
31st August – 1st September
| Quiet Time: Stem Village 10am – 11am on Saturday 31st August and Sunday 1st September, visitors with additional needs were able to browse the full range of exhibits within a quiet environment. No background music or loudspeaker announcements and noise levels minimised as much as possible. Reduced numbers of people on-site to enhance the quiet environment and the marquees used for the STEM exhibition are all fully wheelchair accessible.
Disabled Car Parking: located at Lansdowne with up to 100 spaces available, these spaces can be utilised by members of the public on display of a valid Blue badge.
Disabled Toilet Facilities: Lansdowne, Ramore Head, The Harbour, Dunluce Avenue, West Bay and Kerr Street. Also the provision of extra portabloos - Lansdowne Shelter, 2 disabled; The Arcadia, 1 disabled;
East Strand car park, 2 disabled; East Strand Hospitality Marquee, 1 disabled;
Car park (Ballywillan Road), 1 disabled. Mobiloo situated at East Strand Car Park Saturday and Sunday 9am – 6pm and also 6.30pm – 10.30pm Saturday in The Crescent Portstewart.
Mobility Scooters and Wheelchairs:
6 scooters and 2 wheelchairs available to hire from 10am – 5pm from Shop Mobility located at East Strand Car Park.
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Halloween
Ballymoney 28th October
Limavady 29th October
Coleraine 30th October
Ballycastle 31st October | Quiet Time: 1 hour workshop prior to main event commencing: Coleraine and Ballymoney Slime Workshops, Limavady and Ballycastle Wall of Terror.
Disabled Parking: Along with all the usual town centre parking spaces the following provisions were made:
Ballymoney – limited disabled parking at Ballymoney Showgrounds and the Reformed Presbyterian Church adjacent Charlotte Street.
Limavady – available in Roemill Road Recreation Grounds.
Coleraine – limited disabled parking available in Rugby Avenue Playing Fields.
Ballycastle – Limited disabled parking available in the Marina Car Park.
Disabled Toilet Facilities: The following public toilet facilities all have disabled toilets:
Ballymoney - Megaw Park, Townhead Street, Castle Street and Riverside Park.
Limavady – Roe Mill Playing Fields.
Coleraine Park Street, Long Commons and Christie Park.
Ballycastle – Market Street Seafront Centre, Quay Road Sports Complex, Council Offices, Marina Car Park Portnagree House VIC, Harbour Car Park.
Alongside these Mobiloo was in place for the duration of all events.
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Christmas
Ballymoney 21st November
LImavady 23rd November
Ballycastle 28th November
Coleraine 29th November
Portstewart 30th November
Dungiven 30th November
Garvagh 2nd December
Portrush 6th December
Saturday 7th December | Quiet Time: Quiet Christmas for children with additional needs in Ballymoney, Limavady, Ballycastle and Coleraine. 2 hours in each town prior to main event, where each child has a 10 minute slot one-on-one time with Santa with a gift to each child at end of session.
Programming: Hands that Talk Signing Choir performed at Limavady and Dungiven Switch On events.
Disabled Parking: coned off bays in local streets and car parks during Christmas events.
Disabled Toilets: Alongside the normal public toilets in each town Mobiloo was present for the duration of each event in Ballymoney, Ballycastle and Coleraine. |
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Design commission and deliver accessibility, inclusive and responsive services
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| Action title | Action |
Development of Corporate Plan
| A new corporate plan is currently being developed and it is anticipated that this will help embed equality and diversity within Council. |
Community Development engagement workshops
| In September an initial engagement workshop was held to consult regarding the development of a new 3-year Community Development Strategy. This community engagement will be as wide ranging and inclusive as possible. |
| Motor neurone disease (MND) Charter adopted | In April Council adopted the motor neurone disease (MND) Charter. The Charter is a statement of the respect, care and support that people living with MND and their carers deserve and should expect.
By adopting the Charter the Council raised awareness, acknowledged the rights of individuals and showed our community that MND matters. |
| Shooting Stars’ football for girls | In January a 6-week football programme was run for young girls. |
Health Literacy Workshop -
‘A Better Future Together’ | In May the Community Planning Partnership hosted a ‘Health Literacy’ workshop as part of its commitment to tackling health inequalities. The Community Plan for Causeway Coast and Glens represents extensive partnership working across the whole range of public services including health, education, public safety, housing, our communities, the environment and the economy.
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| Social Inclusion Grant | Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Social Inclusion Grant provides small grants to local community and voluntary organisations that are involved in activities that encourage people within their community, particularly those that are socially excluded, to participate in social and recreational activities.
During 2019-20 grants were awarded to the following groups whose beneficiaries were people with a disability: - Coleraine & District Talking News used the grant to provide a weekly audio CD to 150 people with a visual impairment to keep them up to date with local news and community activities.
- Riding for the Disabled Association used their grant to provide therapeutic equestrian sporting activities for people with a disability.
- Glenshane Care Association used their grant to provide an opportunity for adults who have physical and/or learning disabilities, plus staff, volunteers, and carers/relatives of service users to learn about Makaton and how to use it effectively in order to communicate within their day care centre.
- Mae Murray Foundation used the grant provided by Council to organise supported beach days, where a range of sand and water based activities such as beach wheelchair games and wheelchair surfing were offered throughout the summer at Benone for 75 people with a disability.
Five older peoples groups (Ballintoy Young at Heart Club, Ballymoney Evergreen Club, Gortnaghey Social Club, Tapp Friens Community Group and Bushvale Friendship Group) received funding for a range of activities throughout the year such as luncheon clubs, history outings, singing, dancing, crafts and other activities and over 310 older people benefitted from these activities.
Home-start Causeway used the grant they received to run a Health & Happiness project to support families with young children in need of support and the 40 participants were able to participate in ‘bounce and play’ ‘movement and dance’ and first aid sessions.
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| Every Body Active; Strand 4, Small Grants Programme | Grant Funded Projects supported through Every Body Active Grants Programme and administered through Councils Sport & Wellbeing Development and CC&GBC’s Funding Unit. The Every Body Active Grants Programme is available to local organisations that can both promote and increase participation in physical activity and its development within the Borough.
Project priority will be given to projects which aim to increase participation among traditionally underrepresented groups which include:- Women and girls
- People with a disability;
- Those living in areas of greatest social need (specifically people living within the top 25% of wards designated by NI Multiple Deprivation Measure Index 2010)
In total 30 Beneficiaries from the programme include: Community (10), PTA’s (8) and Club’s (12) including Parents and Friends of Sandelford School, Mae Murray Foundation, St. Mary’s GAA, Rasharkin, Solas Moyle and Armoy Girls Brigade.
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| Welcoming Town centre Banner Projects | Town and Village Management instigated a programme of street dressing in 2019/20 within the 4 main towns of the Borough, Ballycastle, Ballymoney, Coleraine and Limavady. The aim of the project is to create a positive welcoming message to everyone who visits our town centres and creating a SHOP EAT ENJOY brand that all businesses and citizens can identify with. The banners are located at the entrance points to our town centres and were created in consultation with stakeholders in the area from the business and community sectors. There is a welcome message to each town showing an iconic image of the place and this is supplemented with a welcome in various languages to convey the inclusive message that everyone is welcome to our borough. Examples are below.
Leading on from this an idea was created to involve the local community in creating images which reflects why they love their town. 3 towns have been completed to date and include Ballycastle, Limavady and Dungiven. Two more towns are now scheduled during the remainder of 2020/21 financial year, Coleraine and Ballymoney.
This project has proved popular as it brings together all ages and sectors within each town and the winning entries take pride of place within their spaces and create an outdoor gallery for residents and visitors alike to enjoy.
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| Disability strategy and Action plan | A new Disability strategy and Action plan has been developed for Council. |
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Equality Action Plan – Priority 2
Raise awareness of equalities issues and tackle prejudices, both internally and externally
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Raise awareness internally
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| Action title | Action |
| Equality Awareness Programme | From January 2020 a planned Equality engagement process commenced improve staff understanding of Equality and tackle prejudices via articles in the staff news. In addition ad hoc specific emails to managers were distributed when key diversity changes occurred. |
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Raise awareness externally
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| Action title | Action |
Exploring Cultural Diversity Programme
(Racial Group) | The Good Relations Team worked with a number of schools to run a 4 week diversity programme which took place in November 2019 and had 1 session linking to Anti Bullying Week.
The Good Relations team worked with facilitators from Building Community Resource Centre, Causeway Multicultural Forum, Inter Ethnic Forum and China Connections, school pupils explored a range of cultures including Bulgarian, Chinese and Indian and Polish.
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‘JAM’ Card Friendly workshops
(Disability) | In January and February; 4 ‘JAM’ Card Friendly workshops for businesses who want to provide excellent customer service for all by becoming more disability friendly; took place in Ballycastle, Ballymoney, Coleraine and Limavady. 55 participants from 34 businesses and 5 P&P staff took part.
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Shared Space Initiative
(Different Religious
Belief) | In April a ‘Shared Space’ artwork initiative delivered by the Good Relations team raised awareness about what shared space means and encouraged participants to think about how their community facilities can be welcoming, open and accessible to everyone from different backgrounds and beliefs.
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Holocaust Memorial Day exhibition
(Different Religious
Belief) | In January a special exhibition was held in Flowerfield Arts Centre to mark Holocaust Memorial Day 2020 which coincided with the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz and the 25th anniversary of the Genocide in Bosnia. The exhibition ‘Stand Together’ explored how genocidal regimes have deliberately fractured societies by marginalising certain groups and how this can be challenged by individuals standing together with their neighbours and speaking out against oppression.
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‘Through the Looking Glass’ programme
(Different Religious
Belief) | The ‘Through the Looking Glass’ programme, provided opportunities to explore a variety of traditions and faiths at historical and cultural locations within the Borough and beyond.
In October during Hate Crime Awareness Week over 30 participants went on a culture and heritage trip with the Good Relations team to Duncairn Arts and Cultural Centre, the 174 Trust and the Indian Community Centre.
In November over 40 participants took part in Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Good Relations heritage visit to Drumalis House.
In February the Good Relations team hosted an exhibition and refugee awareness session in Limavady to mark Holocaust Memorial Day. The refugee awareness workshop, delivered in partnership with the Vulnerable Syrian Refugee Consortium, connected closely with the Holocaust Memorial Day theme of ‘Stand Together’.
In March the Good Relations team hosted a Small Worlds Café in Limavady for participants to encounter people from different backgrounds and parts of the world.
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Shared Education project
(Different Religious
Belief) |
In January pupils from 9 local primary schools enjoyed new learning opportunities through a Shared Education project organised by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Good Relations team in association with the Education Authority.
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| Civic Leadership – The Mayor’s Office | In November 2019 Council nominated 2 representatives to the Western Health & Social Care Trust Local Engagement Partnership for Adult Learning Disability.
In the period the Mayor during his term of office, hosted and engaged with a diverse range of individuals and groups representing a number of the protected categories such as the local Multicultural Forum, Churches Forum and Inter Faith Forum.
In conjunction with Council's Good Relations Department, the Mayor participated in a Let's Talk youth engagement event and facilitated a series of Chamber visits by local secondary schools to Council's headquarters at Cloonavin.
The Mayor participated in an event to mark International Women's Day and unfortunately arrangements to mark World Down Syndrome Day had to be cancelled in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Increased equality in communication methods both internally and externally
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| Action title | Action |
| Communication Survey | During the last month of this reporting period a Communications survey was issued to HOS and Managers to gather baseline information with regards to current methods used when communicating both internally and externally.
This information will be used to support staff to consult more effectively. |
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Improved equality on-line
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| Action title | Action |
| Website Accessibility review | Website Accessibility tested and a transformation programme has been devised to insure Councils websites meet Accessibility legislation due to come into place in the next reporting period (September 2020). |
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Equality Action Plan – Priority 3
Attract, recruit, retain and progress a diverse range of employees in a culture which celebrates diversity and inclusion
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Attract, recruit, retain and progress a diverse range of employees in a culture which celebrates diversity and inclusion
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| Action title | Action |
| Staff Training | Quarterly induction training sessions all include a section on the provision of S75, general Equality and Diversity issues and Good Relations.
217 Staff received Dignity & Respect at work training
1 individual undertook a ADHD Training Course
20 staff received Sign Video / Deaf awareness training. |
| Internet recruitment advertising | All jobs are advertised on the internet to attract the attention of the widest range of diverse applicants. |
| Awareness information | The staff news sheet was re-designed in January 2020 to include an Equality Update section. Each news sheet will contain information on an Equality topic. The first 3 months included Sign Video availability in Council, the Every Customer Counts Initiative.
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| Domestic abuse awareness raising training sessions | In July Council held awareness sessions to support and educate staff. |
| Supportive emails and tips | Staff mental well-being and inclusiveness is encouraged via tips, emails and lunch-time exercises classes for all abilities. Information is provided for those with caring responsibilities, regarding mental health and supportive initiatives linked to encouraging and supporting dignity and respect at work. In addition in this reporting period training was provided to staff members undertaking the role of a Confidential Advisor as per the Dignity and Respect at Work Policy. |
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Equality Action Plan – Priority 4
Provide a working environment where employees are treated with fairness, dignity and respect
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Staff Education regarding diversity and inclusion
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| Action title | Action |
Corporate Training
| Dignity & Respect at Work Workshops were held in which 217 staff received training.
In addition 1 staff member attended an ADHD Training Course.
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| Small World’s Café event | The Good Relations team organised a Small World’s Café for Council staff to learn about the challenges and real lives of individuals who have grown up elsewhere, in a different culture, religious background and other parts of the world. The sessions challenged the myths and misconceptions staff may have about asylum seekers, migrants and refugees. The relaxed and interactive approach enabled genuine discussion and dialogue and promoted understanding of equality, good relations and diversity.
The event was expertly facilitated by members of Belfast Friendship Club.
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Holocaust Memorial Day,
Stand Together | A session to mark Holocaust Memorial Day was held in January 2020 and explored how genocidal regimes throughout history have deliberately fractured societies by marginalising certain groups, and how these tactics can be challenged by individuals standing together with their neighbours, and speaking out against oppression.
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